The weak spot, known as the South Atlantic Anomaly, was identified in the 19th century and expanded in recent years.

Think of it this way: only around 10,000 decently sized meteorites slam into Earth per year. Meanwhile, the planet is annually bombarded by as much as 40,000 tons of dust. Volume alone dictates that amino acids were attached to the latter debris instead of the former.

The South Atlantic Anomaly, a huge weak spot in the geomagnetic field off South America, has expanded and sprouted a lobe in the direction of Africa over the past decade.

High and rising prices for rare earths used in commercial and military technologies has boosted the fortune of Australian iron ore billionaire Gina Rinehart

Chinese rare earth magnet companies have been facing tighter scrutiny on export license applications since September, sources say, even before Beijing's move last week to expand controls over the critical minerals used in magnets.

China first introduced rare-earth export restrictions in April in retaliation for tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, causing delays with vehicle production and forcing western companies to stockpile materials.

Scientists say a train of CMEs could impact Earth's magnetic field Oct. 15–17, bringing a chance of northern lights across northern North America.

Expected new Chinese curbs on rare earth metal exports could have a significant impact on the European auto industry, the head of Italian auto part maker lobby ANFIA said on Tuesday, as reserves of those materials are low.